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BMC Veterinary Research Jun 2024Buffalo spermatozoa have a distinct membrane structure that makes them more vulnerable to cryopreservation, resulting in lower-quality post-thawed sperm. This decreases... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma on the fertility and quality of cryopreserved buffalo bull semen: a comparative study using OptiXcell® and tris egg yolk extenders.
BACKGROUND
Buffalo spermatozoa have a distinct membrane structure that makes them more vulnerable to cryopreservation, resulting in lower-quality post-thawed sperm. This decreases the success rate of artificial insemination in buffaloes. Understanding and addressing these specific vulnerabilities are essential for improving reproductive techniques in buffalo populations. The properties of cryopreserved buffalo bull semen were examined in this study regarding the impact of adding autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to OptiXcell® or Tris egg yolk-based extenders. Ten buffalo bulls were used to collect semen. Each bull's ejaculate was separated into two main equal amounts, each of which was then diluted with either OptiXcell® or Tris egg yolk-based extender, supplemented with various PRP concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%), and the control (0%), before being cryopreserved according to established protocols. Following equilibration and thawing, the quality and functionality of the sperm were evaluated, along with the antioxidant enzyme activities (GSH and TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and in vivo fertilization rate of the thawed semen.
RESULTS
All PRP concentrations in both extenders, particularly 10% PRP, improved the quality and functionality of the sperm in both equilibrated and frozen-thawed semen. Additionally, the antioxidant enzyme activities in both extenders were higher in the PRP-supplemented groups compared to the control group in thawed semen (P < 0.05). All post-thaw sperm quality, antioxidant enzyme activities, and functionality aside from DNA integrity were higher (P < 0.05) in the PRP-supplemented OptiXcell® than in the PRP-supplemented Tris egg yolk-based extender. The fertility of cryopreserved semen in the extenders supplemented with 10% and 15% PRP increased (P < 0.05) significantly more than that of the control extenders, with 10% PRP being the optimum concentration in OptiXcell® (80%) compared to that of Tris egg yolk-based extender (66.67%) and control of two extenders (53.33% and 46.67%, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
Even though autologous PRP-supplemented extenders have a protective impact on equilibrated and cryopreserved semen, 10% PRP-supplemented OptiXcell® extenders are more effective at preserving post-thaw semen quality, functionality, and antioxidant capacity, which increases the in vivo fertility of buffalo bulls.
Topics: Animals; Buffaloes; Male; Cryopreservation; Semen Preservation; Platelet-Rich Plasma; Fertility; Egg Yolk; Semen Analysis; Cryoprotective Agents; Insemination, Artificial; Female; Semen; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 38849855
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04022-x -
Frontiers in Reproductive Health 2024Online sperm donation allows those hoping to conceive a baby ("recipients") to meet prospective sperm donors online, via "connection" websites or social media. These...
INTRODUCTION
Online sperm donation allows those hoping to conceive a baby ("recipients") to meet prospective sperm donors online, via "connection" websites or social media. These sites offer some advantages to clinical donation (including lower costs and greater choice over donation arrangements) but previous research has suggested that these sites may also pose risks and challenges to those who use them. Therefore, the aim of this exploratory research was to better understand online sperm donation communities and the experiences of both recipients and donors, particularly with respect to situations that could be "morally challenging" or involve harm.
METHODS
Three prolific donors and five recipients were interviewed using an in-depth narrative approach. Carol Gilligan's Listening Guide was employed to analyse the data.
RESULTS
The findings demonstrated that the donors sought to find ways to maintain autonomy in their donating practices and were concerned about the character and parenting abilities of recipients, as well as the potential for recipients to make unwarranted complaints. The recipients were concerned about their safety and finding a donor they could trust, discussing issues relating to donor "dishonesty", online abuse, and a lack of support from connection sites and related authorities. Both donors and recipients identified "morally challenging" behaviour relating to donor anonymity (donor use of fake online profiles or aliases) and the sexual motivations or (mis)conduct of some donors. The participants each discussed the ways in which they managed perceived risks.
DISCUSSION
The degree to which the participants voiced their acceptance or rejection of challenging behaviour in online sperm donation communities varied across and within participants, highlighting the complexity of the way in which people interact in this environment. Further research is required to understand how this form of sperm donation can be as safe and supportive as possible, while also respecting the importance to donors and recipients of autonomy and choice when making donation arrangements.
PubMed: 38847011
DOI: 10.3389/frph.2024.1222601 -
FASEB BioAdvances Jun 2024The in vitro storage of stallion spermatozoa for use in artificial insemination leads to oxidative stress and imbalances in calcium homeostasis that trigger the...
The in vitro storage of stallion spermatozoa for use in artificial insemination leads to oxidative stress and imbalances in calcium homeostasis that trigger the formation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), resulting in premature cell death. However, little is understood about the dynamics and the role of mPTP formation in mammalian spermatozoa. Here, we identify an important role for mPTP in stallion sperm Ca homeostasis. We show that stallion spermatozoa do not exhibit "classical" features of mPTP; specifically, they are resistant to cyclosporin A-mediated inhibition of mPTP formation, and they do not require exogenous Ca to form the mPTP. However, chelation of endogenous Ca prevented mPTP formation, indicating a role for intracellular Ca in this process. Furthermore, our findings suggest that this cell type can mobilize intracellular Ca stores to form the mPTP in response to low Ca environments and that under oxidative stress conditions, mPTP formation preceded a measurable increase in intracellular Ca, and vice versa. Contrary to previous work that identified mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) as a proxy for mPTP formation, here we show that a loss of MMP can occur independently of mPTP formation, and thus MMP is not an appropriate proxy for the detection of mPTP formation. In conclusion, the mPTP plays a crucial role in maintaining Ca and reactive oxygen species homeostasis in stallion spermatozoa, serving as an important regulatory mechanism for normal sperm function, thereby contraindicating the in vitro pharmacological inhibition of mPTP formation to enhance sperm longevity.
PubMed: 38846376
DOI: 10.1096/fba.2023-00051 -
Poultry Science May 2024The fertilization rate is an important index to evaluate the reproductive capacity of hens, which is mainly affected by semen quality, timing of artificial insemination...
The fertilization rate is an important index to evaluate the reproductive capacity of hens, which is mainly affected by semen quality, timing of artificial insemination (AI), and the ability to store sperm. A high sperm storage (SS) capacity can extend the interval, reduce the frequency, and decrease the labor costs of AI. However, relatively few studies have investigated the SS capacity of hens. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to identify factors influencing the SS capacity of Guangxi partridge chickens and to explore the impact of the sperm count in different sections of the oviduct and sperm storage tubules (SSTs), in addition to the number and surface area of SSTs on SS capacity at different time points after AI. We found that SS capacity was positively correlated to the egg production rate (P < 0.01) and body length (P < 0.05). On post-AI days 5, 10, and 15, the sperm count was higher in uterus-vagina junction (UVJ) than the magnum, isthmus, and infundibulum (P < 0.01), but gradually decreased over time. Also, the duration of SS and the sperm count of the UVJ was greater in the high SS group than the low SS group (P < 0.05). Histopathological analysis of the UVJ showed that the number and surface area of the SSTs (P < 0.01), as well as the proportion of SSTs containing sperm, were greater in the high SS group at all time points post AI (P < 0.01), while the proportion of SSTs containing sperm gradually decreased over time. Collectively, these results highlight the potential for selective breeding of SS capacity and show that SS capacity is related to laying performance and body length of Guangxi partridge hens. In addition, SS capacity was positively correlated to the surface area of SSTs and the proportion containing sperm. A greater sperm count stored in the UVJ was correlated to more sperm transported to the infundibulum and subsequent greater SS capacity of hens.
PubMed: 38833742
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103861 -
Veterinary Journal (London, England :... Jun 2024Preventing dystocia can stabilise beef cattle management. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) S-N... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Preventing dystocia can stabilise beef cattle management. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) S-N values and estrone sulphate (ES) concentrations during pregnancy and the calf birth weight in beef cattle and to evaluate their usefulness as new predictive parameters for dystocia due to foetal overgrowth. Thirty-eight pregnant Japanese Black cattle were used. Blood samples were collected at 40, 70, 100, 150, 200, 250, 280, and 285 days after artificial insemination (AI), and birth weight of the offspring was measured. Serum PAGs S-N values and ES concentrations were measured, and the area under the curve (AUC) and the ratio of change based on 70 days after AI were calculated, followed by calculation of the correlation coefficient with the birth weight of the offspring and comparison between the eutocia (n = 32) and dystocia (n = 6) groups. The birth weight of the offspring was moderately positively correlated with the AUC of serum PAGs S-N values and ES concentrations in the second (r = 0.425, P < 0.01) and third (r = 0.595, P < 0.01) trimesters, respectively. The ratio of change in serum ES concentrations between 70 and 280 days after AI was greater (P < 0.05) in the dystocia group (1276.6 ± 229.1 %) than in the eutocia group (852.6 ± 69.6 %). These results suggest that blood PAGs S-N values at mid-pregnancy (100-199 days after AI) and the ratio of changes in blood ES concentrations between 70 and 280 days after AI may be new parameters for predicting dystocia.
Topics: Animals; Female; Pregnancy; Estrone; Cattle; Dystocia; Birth Weight; Cattle Diseases; Pregnancy Proteins; Glycoproteins
PubMed: 38810930
DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106147 -
Open Veterinary Journal Apr 2024Postpartum ovarian dysfunction [ovarian cyst (OC) and persistent follicle (PF)] has been an important issue. Finding effective hormonal treatments to improve...
BACKGROUND
Postpartum ovarian dysfunction [ovarian cyst (OC) and persistent follicle (PF)] has been an important issue. Finding effective hormonal treatments to improve reproductive performance in dairy cows has become a necessity.
AIM
Improve reproductive performance and ovarian activity in postpartum cows with specific customized treatment for OC and PFs.
METHODS
The study included 48 cows at 14 days P.P, which received two dosages of 500 μg IM cloprostenol, 14 days apart as presynchronization protocol. Ultrasound ovarian scans 14 days after the last injection for 4 weeks. The cows were divided into three groups according to ovarian status: OC ( = 14), PF ( = 12), and NE ( = 22). In the OC group, received 500 μg IM cloprostenol and 100 μg IM cystoriline, a second dose of cloprostenol 14 days later and a second dose of cystoriline 36 hours later, and AI after 24 hours (GnRH+ PG/PG/GnRH). In the PF group, was fitted with progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PRID) for 9 days; the same day, they received 100 μg cystoreline then 500 μg cloprostenol 7 days later, after PRID removal AI 56 hours later (PRID + GnRH/PG). In the NE group, artificial insemination was implemented until 28 days depending on estrus detection.
RESULTS
The ovarian activity was greatly affected by the customized treatments, leading to enhanced follicular and luteal activity, particularly after the PGF2α injection. The OC and PF groups showed substantial estrus responses of 71.43% and 75.02%, respectively, during AI time. While the NE group had an ovulation rate of 54.5% and a pregnancy rate of 31.8%, the treatment groups showed marked improvements in reproductive performance. The ovulation rates in the OC and PF groups were 71.43% and 75% and the pregnancy rates at the 1st artificial insemination were 64.28% and 66.7%.
CONCLUSION
Improving reproductive performance and minimizing the time to first service are possible advantages of early case-specific treatment for postpartum cows with OC and PFs.
Topics: Animals; Female; Cattle; Ovarian Cysts; Postpartum Period; Cloprostenol; Cattle Diseases; Insemination, Artificial; Pregnancy; Ovarian Follicle; Progesterone; Estrus Synchronization
PubMed: 38808298
DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i4.10 -
Clinical risk factors for preterm birth and evaluating maternal psychology in the postpartum period.World Journal of Psychiatry May 2024Although the specific pathogenesis of preterm birth (PTB) has not been thoroughly clarified, it is known to be related to various factors, such as pregnancy...
BACKGROUND
Although the specific pathogenesis of preterm birth (PTB) has not been thoroughly clarified, it is known to be related to various factors, such as pregnancy complications, maternal socioeconomic factors, lifestyle habits, reproductive history, environmental and psychological factors, prenatal care, and nutritional status. PTB has serious implications for newborns and families and is associated with high mortality and complications. Therefore, the prediction of PTB risk can facilitate early intervention and reduce its resultant adverse consequences.
AIM
To analyze the risk factors for PTB to establish a PTB risk prediction model and to assess postpartum anxiety and depression in mothers.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis of 648 consecutive parturients who delivered at Shenzhen Bao'an District Songgang People's Hospital between January 2019 and January 2022 was performed. According to the diagnostic criteria for premature infants, the parturients were divided into a PTB group ( = 60) and a full-term (FT) group ( = 588). Puerperae were assessed by the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), based on which the mothers with anxiety and depression symptoms were screened for further analysis. The factors affecting PTB were analyzed by univariate analysis, and the related risk factors were identified by logistic regression.
RESULTS
According to univariate analysis, the PTB group was older than the FT group, with a smaller weight change and greater proportions of women who underwent artificial insemination and had gestational diabetes mellitus ( < 0.05). In addition, greater proportions of women with reproductive tract infections and greater white blood cell (WBC) counts ( < 0.05), shorter cervical lengths in the second trimester and lower neutrophil percentages ( < 0.001) were detected in the PTB group than in the FT group. The PTB group exhibited higher postpartum SAS and SDS scores than did the FT group ( < 0.0001), with a higher number of mothers experiencing anxiety and depression ( < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a greater maternal weight change, the presence of gestational diabetes mellitus, a shorter cervical length in the second trimester, a greater WBC count, and the presence of maternal anxiety and depression were risk factors for PTB ( < 0.01). Moreover, the risk score of the FT group was lower than that of the PTB group, and the area under the curve of the risk score for predicting PTB was greater than 0.9.
CONCLUSION
This study highlights the complex interplay between postpartum anxiety and PTB, where maternal anxiety may be a potential risk factor for PTB, with PTB potentially increasing the incidence of postpartum anxiety in mothers. In addition, a greater maternal weight change, the presence of gestational diabetes mellitus, a shorter cervical length, a greater WBC count, and postpartum anxiety and depression were identified as risk factors for PTB.
PubMed: 38808088
DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i5.661 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024This study investigated the antioxidant effect of quercetin-treated semen on frozen-thawed spermatozoa quality and fertility in crossbred Kamori goats. In total, 32...
This study investigated the antioxidant effect of quercetin-treated semen on frozen-thawed spermatozoa quality and fertility in crossbred Kamori goats. In total, 32 ejaculates from four fertile bucks were diluted in Tris-based egg yolk extender with varying levels of quercetin (0, 1, 5, 10, and 15 μM). Qualified semen samples were pooled and frozen in French straws. The results revealed that the addition of quercetin in the semen extender increased ( < 0.05) frozen-thawed sperm total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), rapid velocity (RV), average path velocity (VAP), straight line velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL), and amplitude of lateral head (ALH) displacement in contrast to the control group. Quercetin supplementation had no effect on beat cross frequency (BCF), straightness (STR), and linearity (LIN) ( > 0.05). Quercetin showed significantly higher ( < 0.05) plasma membrane and acrosome integrity and viability ( < 0.05) of spermatozoa in contrast to the control group. Quercetin in the semen extender significantly increased ( < 0.05) superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels while reduced ( < 0.05) the contents of total oxidant status (TOS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), which were in contrast to the control group. Ultrasound results revealed that 24 out of 30 (80%) goats were found pregnant when semen was treated with 5 μM quercetin while the control group showed 18 out of 30 (60%) animals were pregnant. Thus, the study concluded that 5 μM quercetin-treated semen was found to be efficient, showed increased antioxidant status, and reduced oxidant production, leading to improved spermatozoa quality and fertility in goats.
PubMed: 38803803
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1385642 -
Veterinary World Apr 2024The quality of canine sperm can be influenced by many factors, such as breed, body weight, age, ejaculatory frequency, nutrition, and environment. In the UK, it is...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
The quality of canine sperm can be influenced by many factors, such as breed, body weight, age, ejaculatory frequency, nutrition, and environment. In the UK, it is common practice for standard Bull Terriers (SBT) and miniature Bull Terriers (MBT) to require male donors during a short breeding period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of semen collection frequency on ejaculate volume and nine sperm parameters in SBT and MBT males, considering age and body condition score (BCS).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Ejaculates from six adult SBTs and four MBTs were collected 5 times at two consecutive intervals (Time Series [TS]1, 24 h . TS2, 48 h), 1 week apart. Ejaculate volume, concentration, total output, viability (live sperm), subjective total motility, vigor, and total morphological defects, including head, midpiece, and tail defects of sperm, were evaluated. A multivariable mixed linear model for repeated measures was used to analyze the effects of semen collection frequency, age, breed, and BCS on ejaculate volume and sperm parameters.
RESULTS
Semen collection frequency, age, and, to a lesser extent, breed, and BCS significantly affected sperm parameters. Semen collection frequency affected all sperm parameters (p < 0.05) but not ejaculate volume (p > 0.05). Total sperm output, sperm vigor, total motility, and tail defects decreased (p < 0.05) at the end of TS1. However, sperm parameters remained relatively constant (p > 0.05) in TS2 between semen collection sessions. Overall, poorer sperm parameters were observed in older dogs (aged 5-8 years) than in younger dogs (aged 4 years). MBT produced less (p < 0.001) ejaculate volume (3.2 ± 0.2 mL . 4.3 ± 0.2 mL: Least Squares Mean ± Standard Error of Mean), lower total sperm output (221.8 ± 19.2 × 10 vs. 348.6 ± 19.2 × 10) and lower total morphological defects (25.0 ± 1.1% . 31.3 ± 0.9%), and a higher percentage of live sperm (77.0 ± 1.4% . 71.7 ± 1.1%) than SBT. In addition, a BCS of 4 positively influenced (p < 0.05) viability, vigor, and total sperm motility.
CONCLUSION
Despite differences in age, breed, and BCS, better sperm parameter values were observed in all semen collection sessions. However, intensive semen collection (TS1) appears to be less effective in maintaining good sperm quality. For breeding or artificial insemination purposes, a 48-h interval between collection sessions is recommended for both breeds. The results of this study could be used to further optimize assisted reproductive technologies in both breeds.
PubMed: 38798297
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.820-828 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... May 2024Dogs are the most popular pets worldwide. Close contact between dogs and people increases the risk of transmission of various zoonotic parasitic infections. Given the...
Dogs are the most popular pets worldwide. Close contact between dogs and people increases the risk of transmission of various zoonotic parasitic infections. Given the importance of veterinary medicine in preserving the One Health concept, the aim of this research was to identify intestinal parasites that may have zoonotic potential and to evaluate risk factors (individual and environmental). The research was conducted in Serbia in 2022 and 2023 on 382 owned dogs, using qualitative methods of coprological examination with a concentration on parasitic elements. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 62.6%, with the following detected: protozoa: spp. (9.2%), spp. (4.5%), / spp. (3.7%), (11.8%); nematoda: (11.5%), (4.2%), family Ancylostomatidae (38.0%), (21.5%), spp. (10.5%); trematoda: (1.6%) and cestodes from the Taeniidae family (1.3%). Factors like age, size and coat length, as well as the way of living, attitude and diet were linked to a significantly higher ( < 0.05) prevalence of intestinal parasites. Based on the results of coprological diagnostics, this research indicates the importance of educating dog owners, conducting routine parasitological tests on their pets and regular deworming strategies.
PubMed: 38791680
DOI: 10.3390/ani14101463